Assigning multiplier values based on random game outcomes of preceding reels

ABSTRACT

A gaming system comprising a display system and a game controller comprising one or more processors, the game controller executing instructions which cause the game controller to: based on a determination that an extra wild feature is enabled for a first reel of a plurality of reels, randomly determine whether to activate an extra wild feature for the first reel, activate the extra wild feature for the first reel in response to the determination, based on the activation of the extra wild feature for the first reel, cause the display system to replace the first reel with a first multiplier ladder, determine a multiplier value for the first multiplier ladder, and cause the display system to display the determined multiplier value.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.63/203,847, filed Aug. 2, 2021, which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Electronic gaming machines (“EGMs”) or gaming devices provide a varietyof wagering games, such as slot games, video poker games, videoblackjack games, roulette games, video bingo games, keno games and othertypes of games that are frequently offered at casinos and otherlocations. Play on EGMs typically involves a player establishing acredit balance by inputting money, or another form of monetary credit,and placing a monetary wager (from the credit balance) on one or moreoutcomes of an instance (or single play) of a primary or base game. Insome cases, a player may qualify for a special mode of the base game, asecondary game or a bonus round of the base game by attaining a certainwinning combination or triggering event in, or related to, the base gameor after the player is randomly awarded the special mode, secondarygame, or bonus round. In the special mode, secondary game, or bonusround, the player is given an opportunity to win extra game credits,game tokens or other forms of payout. In the case of “game credits” thatare awarded during play, the game credits are typically added to acredit meter total on the EGM and can be provided to the player uponcompletion of a gaming session or when the player wants to “cash out.”

“Slot” type games are often displayed to the player in the form ofvarious symbols arrayed in a row-by-column grid or matrix. Specificmatching combinations of symbols along predetermined paths (or paylines) through the matrix indicate the outcome of the game. The displaytypically highlights winning combinations/outcomes for identification bythe player. Matching combinations and their corresponding awards areusually shown in a “pay-table” that is available to the player forreference. Often, the player may vary their wager to include differingnumbers of pay lines and/or the amount bet on each line. By varying thewager, the player may sometimes alter the frequency or number of winningcombinations, frequency or number of secondary games, and/or the amountawarded.

Typical games use a random number generator (RNG) to randomly determinethe outcome of each game. The game is designed to return a certainpercentage of the amount wagered back to the player over the course ofmany plays or instances of the game, which is generally referred to asreturn to player (RTP). The RTP and randomness of the RNG ensure thefairness of the games and are highly regulated. Upon initiation of play,the RNG randomly determines a game outcome and symbols are then selectedthat correspond to that outcome. Notably, some games may include anelement of skill on the part of the player and are therefore notentirely random.

SUMMARY

Techniques for an extra wild feature that can be enabled for one or morereels of a plurality of reels. Once enabled for a wheel, the extra wildfeature allows the reel to be replaced by a multiplier ladder if theextra wild feature is activated. Activation of the extra wild feature israndom, and once the extra wild feature is activated for a reel, theunderlying reel is removed prior to a reel outcome being determined andreplaced with the multiplier ladder. Where multiple multiplier laddersappear adjacent to each other, the multiple multiplier ladders may bemerged into a single multiplier ladder with larger multiplier values.Activating the extra wild feature and merging multipliers helps engagethe user with large potential payouts from the merged multiplier values.This represents technical functionality that provides an improved userinterface for enhancing a player's understanding of the game mechanicsand builds player equity with the game. In addition, removing theunderlying reel prior to (e.g., without) determining a reel outcomeimproves technical functionality of the computer system by balancing theRTP against the multiplier values while simplifying the user interfaceand underlying processing for the game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a detailed description of various examples, reference will now bemade to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates several different models of EGMs that may benetworked to various gaming related servers.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram depicting exemplary internal electroniccomponents of a gaming device connected to various external systems.

FIG. 2B depicts a casino gaming environment, according to one example.

FIG. 2C is a diagram that shows examples of components of a system forproviding online gaming, according to some aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an implementation of a game processingarchitecture that implements a game processing pipeline for the play ofa game in accordance with various implementations described herein.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are flowcharts illustrating an example technique forrandomly assigned multiplier values based on random game outcomes, inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are example screen displays illustrating specialsymbols, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an example screen display illustrating activation of the extrawild feature, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A is an example screen display illustrating multiplier laddermerging, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B is an example screen display illustrating multiplier laddermerging, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

The same reference number is used in the drawings for the same orsimilar (either by function and/or structure) features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure are generally directed to randomlyactivating a multiplier ladder for a reel and merging multiple adjacentmultiplier ladders. The set of reels includes a number of specialsymbols, which are symbols that can contribute to a “win combination”(i.e., pay path). In some examples, the special symbols may includeconventional multiplier symbols, which are associated with a specificmultiplier value. This conventional multiplier value may be applied toany potential payout shown in the outcome of the reels in the reel grid,and the pay evaluation of a “win combination” includes a product of theassigned multipliers.

In some cases, the special symbols may also include a “wild” symbol,where a multiplier associated with the wild symbol is randomlydetermined, for example, using a random number generator and a lookuptable. In some cases, when a wild symbol lands on a current reel, thatreel is replaced with a multiplier ladder that displays potentialmultiplier values that may be randomly selected for the wild symbol. Themultiplier ladder may be a set of multiplier values arranged in anorder, such as in an increasing order from a bottom of the ladder to thetop of the ladder. A multiplier value of the set of multiplier valuesmay be randomly selected for the multiplier ladder. An animatedselection effect from among the potential multiplier values may bedisplayed to illustrate the selection of the multiplier value for thewild symbol from among potential multiplier values.

In some cases, the special symbols may include an “extra wild” symbol.When the extra wild symbol lands for a reel, an animation effect may bedisplayed on or above the reel indicating that the reel is an extra wildreel. For each extra wild reel on each spin, the gaming system mayperform a lookup operation to determine whether an extra wild feature ofthe reel is active for the given spin. If the extra wild feature of thereel is active for the given spin, that reel is replaced with amultiplier ladder.

Where adjacent reels are replaced by multiplier ladders, for example byeither a wild symbol landing or via the extra wild feature, the adjacentmultiplier ladders may be merged into a single multiplier ladder. Insome cases, this merged multiplier ladder may be sized to replace theadjacent reels. Where adjacent multiplier ladders are merged, ananimation effect may be displayed illustrating the merging of theadjacent multiplier ladders. The multipliers on the merged multiplierladder may be a product of a determined multiplier of one multiplierladder and initial multiplier values of the adjacent reel. For example,multiplier ladders may initially have a set of initial multipliervalues, such as the values 4×, 5×, 6×, 7×, and 8×. The set of initialmultiplier values may be predetermined and follow a set sequence. If amultiplier value for a first multiplier ladder is randomly selected tobe the 5× multiplier value, and this first multiplier ladder is mergedwith a second multiplier ladder, multiplier values of the set of initialmultiplier values for the second multiplier ladder may be multiplied bythe 5× multiplier value of the first multiplier ladder. In this example,the merged multiplier ladder may include the multiplier values of 20×,25×, 30×, 35×, and 40×. In some cases, more than two adjacent multiplierladders may be merged. For example, three adjacent multiplier laddersmay be merged into a single multiplier ladder. Merging adjacentmultiplier ladders is technically challenging to convey to a user as itis a new mechanic which can occur after a user initiated action, such asa spin, but before the outcome of that user initiated action is resolved(e.g., while the reels appear to be spinning) which also involves aninteraction across multiple reels. These merged multiplier ladderpresents another technical challenge due to the large multiplier valuesthat can result from multiple merged multiplier ladders, which canincrease the RTP.

In terms of technical effects, the gaming device achieves a designatedgame volatility and RTP that complies with regulation for a game featurethat assigns a multiplier value based on when a symbol lands on a reelor when a reel is selected under certain conditions. In contrast toconventional game features that assign multiplier values to a symbol,the present gaming devices, methods, and systems increase the multipliervalue based on a determination that adjacent reels have multipliers. Bydoing so, a gaming system could apply a relatively large multipliervalue to the winning award. For example, if a reel that lands a firstwild symbol or if the extra wild feature is active for the reel, thegaming system replaces the first reel with a multiplier ladder withmultiplier values ranging from 4×-8×. If a second wild symbol lands onan adjacent second reel, or if the extra wild feature is also active forthe adjacent second reel, the gaming system also replaces this secondreel with a multiplier ladder with multiplier values ranging from 4×-8×.These adjacent reels can be replaced with a merged multiplier ladderwith multiplier values possible ranging up to 64×. If a third wildsymbol lands on a third adjacent reel, or if the extra wild feature isalso active on the third adjacent reel, the gaming system may replacethe third reel with a multiplier ladder with multiplier values rangingfrom 4×-8×. The three multiplier values may then be multiplied togetherto potentially generate a 512× multiplier.

Additionally, when the extra wild feature is triggered, the gamingsystem can generate one or more indicators that appears above one ormore reels. These indicator(s) can identify reels on which the extrawild feature can be enabled on subsequent spins. The indicator(s) abovethe reels remain in place for the duration of the feature. For each reelwhere the extra wild feature can be enabled on a given spin, the gamingsystem performs a lookup operation to determine whether the reel becomesan extra wild reel. For each activated extra wild reel, a multiplierladder replaces the reel for the given spin. The multiplier ladderassigns a random multiplier value to the extra wild reel. Without properbalancing, increasing the multiplier value for each subsequent reel andactivating the extra wild feature could greatly increase the potentialpayout and violate regulatory requirements.

Replacing a reel with the multiplier ladder and not spinning theunderlying reel balances the RTP against the multiplier value. Forexample, generally, for each reel strip presented to the user, aseparate RNG call is made to determine the reel stop. Thus, for example,one RNG call is made for stopping a first reel and a second RNG call ismade for stopping a second reel. Where a reel, such as the first reel,is replaced by a multiplier ladder, a RNG call is not made for thecorresponding replaced reel. For example, if reels 1 and 2 are replacedby multiplier ladders, no RNG call is made for reel 1 and no RNG call ismade for reel 2. Not making the RNG call for certain reels can bebeneficial in three ways. The first benefit of stopping the reel and notmaking the RNG call is that doing so helps allow for better control ofthe RTP for each spin as symbols that would have landed on the replacedreel are no longer in the game outcome. For example, if reel 1 and reel2 were allowed to spin in the background, reel 1 and reel 2 would landon symbols. These landed symbols could be high value symbols (e.g., wildsymbols) or symbols which would prolong a bonus feature (e.g., a freespin symbol). Such symbols could increase the RTP as compared toreplacing the reel.

The second benefit of not making the RNG call is that this helps reducea number of processing steps. Specifically, no RNG call andcorresponding lookup operation to determine reel stops are needed forthe replaced reels. Further, no separate pay evaluation/game outcomeevaluation needs to be performed. For example, where the game includesfive reels, the game does not need to perform a pay evaluation for thegame outcome from all five regular reels along with determining gameoutcomes for the replaced reels (e.g., for the replaced reels).

The third benefit of not making the RNG call is that this simplifies thegame presentation shown to the player. Regulations require that the gameshow how a player wins. As a result, if the reels were not replaced bythe multiplier ladder, the UI would show outcomes of, for example, fiveregular reels, along with multiplier ladder outcomes concurrently. A UIissue could arise from such a presentation trying to display all ofthese elements, potentially complicating the UI where the multiplierladder is displayed using overlays. Resizing the reels could furthercomplicate the UI due to usability concerns, scaling, etc. By removingthe underlying spin and reels, such potential UI issues are avoided.

Additionally, in some cases, RTP may be balanced by making feweravailable special symbols on one or more later reel strips as comparedto one or more earlier reels so that landing a special symbol is morelikely for the one or more earlier reels than for the one or more laterreels. For example, reels 2 and 3 may have more available specialsymbols than reels 4 and 5. In the case of randomly assigned multipliersfor stacked reels, the RTP can be balanced by using weighted lookuptables or by using different lookup tables for different reels todetermine the multiplier.

The gaming system also improves computer usability and enhances theplayer's understanding and experience. For example, by replacing thereel with a multiplier ladder, the gaming system helps the player betterunderstand the outcome of the reel and the potential effect of themultiplier ladder on the outcome of the game. Additionally, where themultiplier value is randomly selected from among a set of potentialmultiplier values, presenting the multiplier ladder to the player helpsthe player understand the random nature of the multiplier value anddetermine what multiplier value is selected. As another example,displaying an indication that certain reels can randomly be replaced bymultiplier ladders helps the player to understand that those certainreels may be replaced. An animation effect that includes the indicationthat certain reels can be replaced and replacing the reel with themultiplier ladder helps the player understand that the extra wildfeature has been activated for the reel. Further, by displaying adjacentstacked reels with a merged multiplier representing the product of theassigned multiplier for each reel, the gaming system helps the playereasily understand the combined effect of the reel outcomes. In a sense,the gaming system is optimizing the display of pay lines by simplifyingthe concept of multiple multipliers for the player such that the playerdoes not need to calculate an effect of multiple multipliers, but caninstead instantly see the value of the merged multiplier ladders in theform of the displayed multiplier. As such, the gaming system alsochanges the way a player builds equity in the game (by assigning larger,merged multiplier values), while also making it easier for the player tounderstand how to build that equity. Displaying the stacked symbols as asingle symbol, assigning a multiplier value to the reel based on thenumber of preceding stacked reels (which result from random outcomes),and merging multipliers of stacked reels represents new EGMfunctionality not previously implemented that provides another approachto presenting how a gaming device builds equity in a game, improves theusability of the gaming device, and enhances a player's understanding ofobtaining certain game outcomes.

In some examples, various described features may be implemented as partof a base game, a bonus game, a feature game, or a combination of these.

FIG. 1 illustrates several different models of EGMs that may benetworked to various gaming related servers. Shown is a system 100 in agaming environment including one or more server computers 102 (e.g.,slot servers of a casino) that are in communication, via acommunications network, with one or more gaming devices 104A-104X (EGMs,slots, video poker, bingo machines, etc.) that can implement one or moreaspects of the present disclosure. The gaming devices 104A-104X mayalternatively be portable and/or remote gaming devices, such as, but notlimited to, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, or a game console. Gamingdevices 104A-104X utilize specialized software and/or hardware to formnon-generic, particular machines or apparatuses that comply withregulatory requirements regarding devices used for wagering or games ofchance that provide monetary awards.

Communication between the gaming devices 104A-104X and the servercomputers 102, and among the gaming devices 104A-104X, may be direct orindirect using one or more communication protocols. As an example,gaming devices 104A-104X and the server computers 102 can communicateover one or more communication networks, such as over the Internetthrough a website maintained by a computer on a remote server or over anonline data network including commercial online service providers,Internet service providers, private networks (e.g., local area networksand enterprise networks), and the like (e.g., wide area networks). Thecommunication networks could allow gaming devices 104A-104X tocommunicate with one another and/or the server computers 102 using avariety of communication-based technologies, such as radio frequency(RF) (e.g., wireless fidelity (WiFi®) and Bluetooth®), cable TV,satellite links and the like.

In some implementation, server computers 102 may not be necessary and/orpreferred. For example, in one or more implementations, a stand-alonegaming device such as gaming device 104A, gaming device 104B or any ofthe other gaming devices 104C-104X can implement one or more aspects ofthe present disclosure. However, it is typical to find multiple EGMsconnected to networks implemented with one or more of the differentserver computers 102 described herein.

The server computers 102 may include a central determination gamingsystem server 106, a ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) system server 108, aplayer tracking system server 110, a progressive system server 112,and/or a casino management system server 114. Gaming devices 104A-104Xmay include features to enable operation of any or all servers for useby the player and/or operator (e.g., the casino, resort, gamingestablishment, tavern, pub, etc.). For example, game outcomes may begenerated on a central determination gaming system server 106 and thentransmitted over the network to any group of remote terminals or remotegaming devices 104A-104X that utilize the game outcomes and display theresults to the players.

Gaming device 104A is often of a cabinet construction, which may bealigned in rows or banks of similar devices for placement and operationon a casino floor. The gaming device 104A often includes a main doorthat provides access to the interior of the cabinet. Gaming device 104Atypically includes a button area or button deck 120 accessible by aplayer that is configured with input switches or buttons 122, an accesschannel for a bill validator 124, and/or an access channel for aticket-out printer 126.

In FIG. 1 , gaming device 104A is shown as a Relm XL™ model gamingdevice manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. As shown, gamingdevice 104A is a reel machine having a gaming display area 118comprising a number (typically 3 or 5) of mechanical reels 130 withvarious symbols displayed on them. The mechanical reels 130 areindependently spun and stopped to show a set of symbols within thegaming display area 118 that may be used to determine an outcome to thegame.

In many configurations, the gaming device 104A may have a main display128 (e.g., video display monitor) mounted to, or above, the gamingdisplay area 118. The main display 128 can be a high-resolution liquidcrystal display (LCD), plasma, light emitting diode (LED), or organiclight emitting diode (OLED) panel that may be flat or curved as shown, acathode ray tube, or other conventional electronically controlled videomonitor.

In some implementations, the bill validator 124 may also function as a“ticket-in” reader that allows the player to use a casino issued creditticket to load credits onto the gaming device 104A (e.g., in a cashlessticket (“TITO”) system). In such cashless implementations, the gamingdevice 104A may also include a “ticket-out” printer 126 for outputting acredit ticket when a “cash out” button is pressed. Cashless TITO systemsare used to generate and track unique bar-codes or other indicatorsprinted on tickets to allow players to avoid the use of bills and coinsby loading credits using a ticket reader and cashing out credits using aticket-out printer 126 on the gaming device 104A. The gaming device 104Acan have hardware meters for purposes including ensuring regulatorycompliance and monitoring the player credit balance. In addition, therecan be additional meters that record the total amount of money wageredon the gaming device, total amount of money deposited, total amount ofmoney withdrawn, and total amount of winnings on gaming device 104A.

In some implementations, a player tracking card reader 144, atransceiver for wireless communication with a mobile device (e.g., aplayer's smartphone), a keypad 146, and/or an illuminated display 148for reading, receiving, entering, and/or displaying player trackinginformation is provided in gaming device 104A. In such implementations,a game controller within the gaming device 104A can communicate with theplayer tracking system server 110 to send and receive player trackinginformation.

Gaming device 104A may also include a bonus topper wheel 134. When bonusplay is triggered (e.g., by a player achieving a particular outcome orset of outcomes in the primary game), bonus topper wheel 134 isoperative to spin and stop with indicator arrow 136 indicating theoutcome of the bonus game. Bonus topper wheel 134 is typically used toplay a bonus game, but it could also be incorporated into play of thebase or primary game.

A candle 138 may be mounted on the top of gaming device 104A and may beactivated by a player (e.g., using a switch or one of buttons 122) toindicate to operations staff that gaming device 104A has experienced amalfunction or the player requires service. The candle 138 is also oftenused to indicate a jackpot has been won and to alert staff that a handpayout of an award may be needed.

There may also be one or more information panels 152, which may be aback-lit, silkscreened glass panel with lettering to indicate generalgame information including, for example, a game denomination (e.g.,$0.25 or $1), pay lines, pay tables, and/or various game relatedgraphics. In some implementations, the information panel(s) 152 may beimplemented as an additional video display.

Gaming devices 104A have traditionally also included a handle 132typically mounted to the side of main cabinet 116 that may be used toinitiate game play.

Many or all the above described components can be controlled bycircuitry (e.g., a game controller) housed inside the main cabinet 116of the gaming device 104A, the details of which are shown in FIG. 2A.

An alternative example gaming device 104B illustrated in FIG. 1 is theArc™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc.Note that where possible, reference numerals identifying similarfeatures of the gaming device 104A implementation are also identified inthe gaming device 104B implementation using the same reference numbers.Gaming device 104B does not include physical reels and instead showsgame play functions on main display 128. An optional topper screen 140may be used as a secondary game display for bonus play, to show gamefeatures or attraction activities while a game is not in play, or anyother information or media desired by the game designer or operator. Insome implementations, the optional topper screen 140 may also oralternatively be used to display progressive jackpot prizes available toa player during play of gaming device 104B.

Example gaming device 104B includes a main cabinet 116, including a maindoor that opens to provide access to the interior of the gaming device104B. The main or service door is typically used by service personnel torefill the ticket-out printer 126 and collect bills and tickets insertedinto the bill validator 124. The main or service door may also beaccessed to reset the machine, verify and/or upgrade the software, andfor general maintenance operations.

Another example gaming device 104C shown is the Helix™ model gamingdevice manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Gaming device 104Cincludes a main display 128A that is in a landscape orientation.Although not illustrated by the front view provided, the main display128A may have a curvature radius from top to bottom, or alternativelyfrom side to side. In some implementations, main display 128A is a flatpanel display. Main display 128A is typically used for primary game playwhile secondary display 128B is typically used for bonus game play, toshow game features or attraction activities while the game is not inplay or any other information or media desired by the game designer oroperator. In some implementations, example gaming device 104C may alsoinclude speakers 142 to output various audio such as game sound,background music, etc.

Many different types of games, including mechanical slot games, videoslot games, video poker, video blackjack, video pachinko, keno, bingo,and lottery, may be provided with or implemented within the depictedgaming devices 104A-104C and other similar gaming devices. Each gamingdevice may also be operable to provide many different games. Games maybe differentiated according to themes, sounds, graphics, type of game(e.g., slot game vs. card game vs. game with aspects of skill),denomination, number of pay lines, maximum jackpot, progressive ornon-progressive, bonus games, and may be deployed for operation in Class2 or Class 3, etc.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram depicting exemplary internal electroniccomponents of a gaming device 200 connected to various external systems.All or parts of the gaming device 200 shown could be used to implementany one of the example gaming devices 104A-X depicted in FIG. 1 . Asshown in FIG. 2A, gaming device 200 includes a topper display 216 oranother form of a top box (e.g., a topper wheel, a topper screen, etc.)that sits above cabinet 218. Cabinet 218 or topper display 216 may alsohouse a number of other components that may be used to add features to agame being played on gaming device 200, including speakers 220, a ticketprinter 222 that prints bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanismsfor storing or indicating a player's credit value, a ticket reader 224that reads bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing orindicating a player's credit value, and a player tracking interface 232.Player tracking interface 232 may include a keypad 226 for enteringinformation, a player tracking display 228 for displaying information(e.g., an illuminated or video display), a card reader 230 for receivingdata and/or communicating information to and from media or a device,such as a smart phone, enabling player tracking. FIG. 2A also depictsutilizing a ticket printer 222 to print tickets for a TITO system server108. Gaming device 200 may further include a bill validator 234,player-input buttons 236 for player input, cabinet security sensors 238to detect unauthorized opening of the cabinet 218, a primary gamedisplay 240, and a secondary game display 242, each coupled to andoperable under the control of game controller 202.

The games available for play on the gaming device 200 are controlled bya game controller 202 that includes one or more processors 204.Processor 204 represents a general-purpose processor, a specializedprocessor intended to perform certain functional tasks, or a combinationthereof. As an example, processor 204 can be a central processing unit(CPU) that has one or more multi-core processing units and memorymediums (e.g., cache memory) that function as buffers and/or temporarystorage for data. Alternatively, processor 204 can be a specializedprocessor, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC),graphics processing unit (GPU), field-programmable gate array (FPGA),digital signal processor (DSP), or another type of hardware accelerator.In another example, processor 204 is a system on chip (SoC) thatcombines and integrates one or more general-purpose processors and/orone or more specialized processors. Although FIG. 2A illustrates thatgame controller 202 includes a single processor 204, game controller 202is not limited to this representation and instead can include multipleprocessors 204 (e.g., two or more processors).

FIG. 2A illustrates that processor 204 is operatively coupled to memory208. Memory 208 is defined herein as including volatile and nonvolatilememory and other types of non-transitory data storage components.Volatile memory is memory that do not retain data values upon loss ofpower. Nonvolatile memory is memory that do retain data upon a loss ofpower. Examples of memory 208 include random access memory (RAM),read-only memory (ROM), hard disk drives, solid-state drives, universalserial bus (USB) flash drives, memory cards accessed via a memory cardreader, floppy disks accessed via an associated floppy disk drive,optical discs accessed via an optical disc drive, magnetic tapesaccessed via an appropriate tape drive, and/or other memory components,or a combination of any two or more of these memory components. Inaddition, examples of RAM include static random access memory (SRAM),dynamic random access memory (DRAM), magnetic random access memory(MRAM), and other such devices. Examples of ROM include a programmableread-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory(EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory(EEPROM), or other like memory device. Even though FIG. 2A illustratesthat game controller 202 includes a single memory 208, game controller202 could include multiple memories 208 for storing program instructionsand/or data.

Memory 208 can store one or more game programs 206 that provide programinstructions and/or data for carrying out various implementations (e.g.,game mechanics) described herein. Stated another way, game program 206represents an executable program stored in any portion or component ofmemory 208. In one or more implementations, game program 206 is embodiedin the form of source code that includes human-readable statementswritten in a programming language or machine code that containsnumerical instructions recognizable by a suitable execution system, suchas a processor 204 in a game controller or other system. Examples ofexecutable programs include: (1) a compiled program that can betranslated into machine code in a format that can be loaded into arandom access portion of memory 208 and run by processor 204; (2) sourcecode that may be expressed in proper format, such as object code that iscapable of being loaded into a random access portion of memory 208 andexecuted by processor 204; and (3) source code that may be interpretedby another executable program to generate instructions in a randomaccess portion of memory 208 to be executed by processor 204.

Alternatively, game programs 206 can be set up to generate one or moregame instances based on instructions and/or data that gaming device 200exchanges with one or more remote gaming devices, such as a centraldetermination gaming system server 106 (not shown in FIG. 2A but shownin FIG. 1 ). For the purpose of this disclosure, the term “gameinstance” refers to a play or a round of a game that gaming device 200presents (e.g., via a user interface (UI)) to a player. The gameinstance is communicated to gaming device 200 via the network 214 andthen displayed on gaming device 200. For example, gaming device 200 mayexecute game program 206 as video streaming software that allows thegame to be displayed on gaming device 200. When a game is stored ongaming device 200, it may be loaded from memory 208 (e.g., from a readonly memory (ROM)) or from the central determination gaming systemserver 106 to memory 208.

Gaming devices, such as gaming device 200, are highly regulated toensure fairness and, in many cases, gaming device 200 is operable toaward monetary awards (e.g., typically dispensed in the form of aredeemable voucher). Therefore, to satisfy security and regulatoryrequirements in a gaming environment, hardware and softwarearchitectures are implemented in gaming device 200 that differsignificantly from those of general-purpose computers. Adapting generalpurpose computers to function as gaming device 200 is not simple orstraightforward because: (1) the regulatory requirements for gamingdevice 200, (2) the harsh environment in which gaming device 200operate, (3) security requirements, (4) fault tolerance requirements,and (5) the requirement for additional special purpose componentryenabling functionality of an EGM. These differences require substantialengineering effort with respect to game design implementation, gamemechanics, hardware components, and software.

One regulatory requirement for games running on gaming device 200generally involves complying with a certain level of randomness.Typically, gaming jurisdictions mandate that gaming device 200 satisfy aminimum level of randomness without specifying how a gaming device 200should achieve this level of randomness. To comply, FIG. 2A illustratesthat gaming device 200 could include an RNG 212 that utilizes hardwareand/or software to generate RNG outcomes that lack any pattern. The RNGoperations are often specialized and non-generic in order to comply withregulatory and gaming requirements. For example, in a slot game, gameprogram 206 can initiate multiple RNG calls to RNG 212 to generate RNGoutcomes, where each RNG call and RNG outcome corresponds to an outcomefor a reel. In another example, gaming device 200 can be a Class IIgaming device where RNG 212 generates RNG outcomes for creating Bingocards. In one or more implementations, RNG 212 could be one of a set ofRNGs operating on gaming device 200. More generally, an output of theRNG 212 can be the basis on which game outcomes are determined by thegame controller 202. Game developers could vary the degree of truerandomness for each RNG (e.g., pseudorandom) and utilize specific RNGsdepending on game requirements. The output of the RNG 212 can include arandom number or pseudorandom number (either is generally referred to asa “random number”).

In FIG. 2A, RNG 212 and hardware RNG 244 are shown in dashed lines toillustrate that RNG 212, hardware RNG 244, or both can be included ingaming device 200. In one implementation, instead of including RNG 212,gaming device 200 could include a hardware RNG 244 that generates RNGoutcomes. Analogous to RNG 212, hardware RNG 244 performs specializedand non-generic operations in order to comply with regulatory and gamingrequirements. For example, because of regulation requirements, hardwareRNG 244 could be a random number generator that securely produces randomnumbers for cryptography use. The gaming device 200 then uses the securerandom numbers to generate game outcomes for one or more game features.In another implementation, the gaming device 200 could include bothhardware RNG 244 and RNG 212. RNG 212 may utilize the RNG outcomes fromhardware RNG 244 as one of many sources of entropy for generating securerandom numbers for the game features.

Another regulatory requirement for running games on gaming device 200includes ensuring a certain level of RTP. Similar to the randomnessrequirement discussed above, numerous gaming jurisdictions also mandatethat gaming device 200 provides a minimum level of RTP (e.g., RTP of atleast 75%). A game can use one or more lookup tables (also calledweighted tables) as part of a technical solution that satisfiesregulatory requirements for randomness and RTP. In particular, a lookuptable can integrate game features (e.g., trigger events for specialmodes or bonus games; newly introduced game elements such as extrareels, new symbols, or new cards; stop positions for dynamic gameelements such as spinning reels, spinning wheels, or shifting reels; orcard selections from a deck) with random numbers generated by one ormore RNGs, so as to achieve a given level of volatility for a targetlevel of RTP. (In general, volatility refers to the frequency orprobability of an event such as a special mode, payout, etc. Forexample, for a target level of RTP, a higher-volatility game may have alower payout most of the time with an occasional bonus having a veryhigh payout, while a lower-volatility game has a steadier payout withmore frequent bonuses of smaller amounts.) Configuring a lookup tablecan involve engineering decisions with respect to how RNG outcomes aremapped to game outcomes for a given game feature, while still satisfyingregulatory requirements for RTP. Configuring a lookup table can alsoinvolve engineering decisions about whether different game features arecombined in a given entry of the lookup table or split between differententries (for the respective game features), while still satisfyingregulatory requirements for RTP and allowing for varying levels of gamevolatility.

FIG. 2A illustrates that gaming device 200 includes an RNG conversionengine 210 that translates the RNG outcome from RNG 212 to a gameoutcome presented to a player. To meet a designated RTP, a gamedeveloper can set up the RNG conversion engine 210 to utilize one ormore lookup tables to translate the RNG outcome to a symbol element,stop position on a reel strip layout, and/or randomly chosen aspect of agame feature. As an example, the lookup tables can regulate a prizepayout amount for each RNG outcome and how often the gaming device 200pays out the prize payout amounts. The RNG conversion engine 210 couldutilize one lookup table to map the RNG outcome to a game outcomedisplayed to a player and a second lookup table as a pay table fordetermining the prize payout amount for each game outcome. The mappingbetween the RNG outcome to the game outcome controls the frequency inhitting certain prize payout amounts.

FIG. 2A also depicts that gaming device 200 is connected over network214 to player tracking system server 110. Player tracking system server110 may be, for example, an OASIS® system manufactured by Aristocrat®Technologies, Inc. Player tracking system server 110 is used to trackplay (e.g., amount wagered, games played, time of play and/or otherquantitative or qualitative measures) for individual players so that anoperator may reward players in a loyalty program. The player may use theplayer tracking interface 232 to access their account information,activate free play, and/or request various information. Player trackingor loyalty programs seek to reward players for their play and help buildbrand loyalty to the gaming establishment. The rewards typicallycorrespond to the player's level of patronage (e.g., to the player'splaying frequency and/or total amount of game plays at a given casino).Player tracking rewards may be complimentary and/or discounted meals,lodging, entertainment and/or additional play. Player trackinginformation may be combined with other information that is now readilyobtainable by a casino management system.

When a player wishes to play the gaming device 200, they can insert cashor a ticket voucher through a coin acceptor (not shown) or billvalidator 234 to establish a credit balance on the gaming device. Thecredit balance is used by the player to place wagers on instances of thegame and to receive credit awards based on the outcome of winninginstances. The credit balance is decreased by the amount of each wagerand increased upon a win. The player can add additional credits to thebalance at any time. The player may also optionally insert a loyaltyclub card into the card reader 230. During the game, the player viewswith one or more UIs, the game outcome on one or more of the primarygame display 240 and secondary game display 242. Other game and prizeinformation may also be displayed.

For each game instance, a player may make selections that may affectplay of the game. For example, the player may vary the total amountwagered by selecting the amount bet per line and the number of linesplayed. In many games, the player is asked to initiate or select optionsduring course of game play (such as spinning a wheel to begin a bonusround or select various items during a feature game). The player maymake these selections using the player-input buttons 236, the primarygame display 240, which may be a touch screen, or using some otherdevice that enables a player to input information into the gaming device200.

During certain game events, the gaming device 200 may display visual andauditory effects that can be perceived by the player. These effects addto the excitement of a game, which makes a player more likely to enjoythe playing experience. Auditory effects include various sounds that areprojected by the speakers 220. Visual effects include flashing lights,strobing lights or other patterns displayed from lights on the gamingdevice 200 or from lights behind the information panel 152 (FIG. 1 ).

When the player is done, they cash out the credit balance (typically bypressing a cash out button to receive a ticket from the ticket printer222). The ticket may be “cashed-in” for money or inserted into anothermachine to establish a credit balance for play.

Additionally, or alternatively, gaming devices 104A-104X and 200 caninclude or be coupled to one or more wireless transmitters, receivers,and/or transceivers (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A) that communicate(e.g., Bluetooth® or other near-field communication technology) with oneor more mobile devices to perform a variety of wireless operations in acasino environment. Examples of wireless operations in a casinoenvironment include detecting the presence of mobile devices, performingcredit, points, comps, or other marketing or hard currency transfers,establishing wagering sessions, and/or providing a personalizedcasino-based experience using a mobile application. In oneimplementation, to perform these wireless operations, a wirelesstransmitter or transceiver initiates a secure wireless connectionbetween a gaming device 104A-104X and 200 and a mobile device. Afterestablishing a secure wireless connection between the gaming device104A-104X and 200 and the mobile device, the wireless transmitter ortransceiver does not send and/or receive application data to and/or fromthe mobile device. Rather, the mobile device communicates with gamingdevices 104A-104X and 200 using another wireless connection (e.g., WiFi®or cellular network). In another implementation, a wireless transceiverestablishes a secure connection to directly communicate with the mobiledevice. The mobile device and gaming device 104A-104X and 200 send andreceive data utilizing the wireless transceiver instead of utilizing anexternal network. For example, the mobile device would perform digitalwallet transactions by directly communicating with the wirelesstransceiver. In one or more implementations, a wireless transmittercould broadcast data received by one or more mobile devices withoutestablishing a pairing connection with the mobile devices.

Although FIGS. 1 and 2A illustrate specific implementations of a gamingdevice (e.g., gaming devices 104A-104X and 200), the disclosure is notlimited to those implementations shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . For example,not all gaming devices suitable for implementing implementations of thepresent disclosure necessarily include top wheels, top boxes,information panels, cashless ticket systems, and/or player trackingsystems. Further, some suitable gaming devices have only a single gamedisplay that includes only a mechanical set of reels and/or a videodisplay, while others are designed for bar counters or tabletops andhave displays that face upwards. Gaming devices 104A-104X and 200 mayalso include other processors that are not separately shown. Using FIG.2A as an example, gaming device 200 could include display controllers(not shown in FIG. 2A) configured to receive video input signals orinstructions to display images on game displays 240 and 242.Alternatively, such display controllers may be integrated into the gamecontroller 202. The use and discussion of FIGS. 1 and 2 are examples tofacilitate ease of description and explanation.

FIG. 2B depicts a casino gaming environment according to one example. Inthis example, the casino 251 includes banks 252 of EGMs 104. In thisexample, each bank 252 of EGMs 104 includes a corresponding gamingsignage system 254 (also shown in FIG. 2A). According to thisimplementation, the casino 251 also includes mobile gaming devices 256,which are also configured to present wagering games in this example. Themobile gaming devices 256 may, for example, include tablet devices,cellular phones, smart phones and/or other handheld devices. In thisexample, the mobile gaming devices 256 are configured for communicationwith one or more other devices in the casino 251, including, but notlimited to, one or more of the server computers 102 via wireless accesspoints 258.

According to some examples, the mobile gaming devices 256 may beconfigured for stand-alone determination of game outcomes. However, insome alternative implementations, the mobile gaming devices 256 may beconfigured to receive game outcomes from another device, such as thecentral determination gaming system server 106, one of the EGMs 104,etc.

Some mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured to accept monetarycredits from a credit or debit card, via a wireless interface (e.g., viaa wireless payment app), via tickets, via a patron casino account, etc.However, some mobile gaming devices 256 may not be configured to acceptmonetary credits via a credit or debit card. Some mobile gaming devices256 may include a ticket reader and/or a ticket printer whereas somemobile gaming devices 256 may not, depending on the particularimplementation.

In some implementations, the casino 251 may include one or more kiosks260 that are configured to facilitate monetary transactions involvingthe mobile gaming devices 256, which may include cash out and/or cash intransactions. The kiosks 260 may be configured for wired and/or wirelesscommunication with the mobile gaming devices 256. The kiosks 260 may beconfigured to accept monetary credits from casino patrons 262 and/or todispense monetary credits to casino patrons 262 via cash, a credit ordebit card, via a wireless interface (e.g., via a wireless payment app),via tickets, etc. According to some examples, the kiosks 260 may beconfigured to accept monetary credits from a casino patron and toprovide a corresponding amount of monetary credits to a mobile gamingdevice 256 for wagering purposes, e.g., via a wireless link such as anear-field communications link. In some such examples, when a casinopatron 262 is ready to cash out, the casino patron 262 may select a cashout option provided by a mobile gaming device 256, which may include areal button or a virtual button (e.g., a button provided via a graphicaluser interface) in some instances. In some such examples, the mobilegaming device 256 may send a “cash out” signal to a kiosk 260 via awireless link in response to receiving a “cash out” indication from acasino patron. The kiosk 260 may provide monetary credits to the casinopatron 262 corresponding to the “cash out” signal, which may be in theform of cash, a credit ticket, a credit transmitted to a financialaccount corresponding to the casino patron, etc.

In some implementations, a cash in process and/or a cash out process maybe facilitated by the TITO system server 108. For example, the TITOsystem server 108 may control, or at least authorize, ticket-in andticket-out transactions that involve a mobile gaming device 256 and/or akiosk 260.

Some mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured for receiving and/ortransmitting player loyalty information. For example, some mobile gamingdevices 256 may be configured for wireless communication with the playertracking system server 110. Some mobile gaming devices 256 may beconfigured for receiving and/or transmitting player loyalty informationvia wireless communication with a patron's player loyalty card, apatron's smartphone, etc.

According to some implementations, a mobile gaming device 256 may beconfigured to provide safeguards that prevent the mobile gaming device256 from being used by an unauthorized person. For example, some mobilegaming devices 256 may include one or more biometric sensors and may beconfigured to receive input via the biometric sensor(s) to verify theidentity of an authorized patron. Some mobile gaming devices 256 may beconfigured to function only within a predetermined or configurable area,such as a casino gaming area.

FIG. 2C is a diagram that shows examples of components of a system forproviding online gaming, according to some aspects of the presentdisclosure. As with other figures presented in this disclosure, thenumbers, types and arrangements of gaming devices shown in FIG. 2C aremerely shown by way of example. In this example, various gaming devices,including, but not limited to, end user devices (EUDs) 264 a, 264 b and264 c are capable of communication via one or more networks 417. Thenetworks 417 may, for example, include one or more cellular telephonenetworks, the Internet, etc. In this example, the EUDs 264 a and 264 bare mobile devices; according to this example, the EUD 264 a is a tabletdevice and the EUD 264 b is a smart phone. In this implementation, theEUD 264 c is a laptop computer that is located within a residence 266 atthe time depicted in FIG. 2C. Accordingly, in this example, the hardwareof EUDs is not specifically configured for online gaming, although eachEUD is configured with software for online gaming. For example, each EUDmay be configured with a web browser. Other implementations may includeother types of EUDs, some of which may be specifically configured foronline gaming.

In this example, a gaming data center 276 includes various devices thatare configured to provide online wagering games via the networks 417.The gaming data center 276 is capable of communication with the networks417 via the gateway 272. In this example, switches 278 and routers 280are configured to provide network connectivity for devices of the gamingdata center 276, including storage devices 282 a, servers 284 a and oneor more workstations 286 a. The servers 284 a may, for example, beconfigured to provide access to a library of games for online game play.In some examples, code for executing at least some of the games mayinitially be stored on one or more of the storage devices 282 a. Thecode may be subsequently loaded onto a server 284 a after selection by aplayer via an EUD and communication of that selection from the EUD viathe networks 417. The server 284 a onto which code for the selected gamehas been loaded may provide the game according to selections made by aplayer and indicated via the player's EUD. In other examples, code forexecuting at least some of the games may initially be stored on one ormore of the servers 284 a. Although only one gaming data center 276 isshown in FIG. 2C, some implementations may include multiple gaming datacenters 276.

In this example, a financial institution data center 270 is alsoconfigured for communication via the networks 417. Here, the financialinstitution data center 270 includes servers 284 b, storage devices 282b, and one or more workstations 286 b. According to this example, thefinancial institution data center 270 is configured to maintainfinancial accounts, such as checking accounts, savings accounts, loanaccounts, etc. In some implementations, one or more of the authorizedusers 274 a-274 c may maintain at least one financial account with thefinancial institution that is serviced via the financial institutiondata center 270.

According to some implementations, the gaming data center 276 may beconfigured to provide online wagering games in which money may be won orlost. According to some such implementations, one or more of the servers284 a may be configured to monitor player credit balances, which may beexpressed in game credits, in currency units, or in any otherappropriate manner. In some implementations, the server(s) 284 a may beconfigured to obtain financial credits from and/or provide financialcredits to one or more financial institutions, according to a player's“cash in” selections, wagering game results and a player's “cash out”instructions. According to some such implementations, the server(s) 284a may be configured to electronically credit or debit the account of aplayer that is maintained by a financial institution, e.g., an accountthat is maintained via the financial institution data center 270. Theserver(s) 284 a may, in some examples, be configured to maintain anaudit record of such transactions.

In some alternative implementations, the gaming data center 276 may beconfigured to provide online wagering games for which credits may not beexchanged for cash or the equivalent. In some such examples, players maypurchase game credits for online game play, but may not “cash out” formonetary credit after a gaming session. Moreover, although the financialinstitution data center 270 and the gaming data center 276 include theirown servers and storage devices in this example, in some examples thefinancial institution data center 270 and/or the gaming data center 276may use offsite “cloud-based” servers and/or storage devices. In somealternative examples, the financial institution data center 270 and/orthe gaming data center 276 may rely entirely on cloud-based servers.

One or more types of devices in the gaming data center 276 (orelsewhere) may be capable of executing middleware, e.g., for datamanagement and/or device communication. Authentication information,player tracking information, etc., including but not limited toinformation obtained by EUDs 264 and/or other information regardingauthorized users of EUDs 264 (including but not limited to theauthorized users 274 a-274 c), may be stored on storage devices 282and/or servers 284. Other game-related information and/or software, suchas information and/or software relating to leaderboards, playerscurrently playing a game, game themes, game-related promotions, gamecompetitions, etc., also may be stored on storage devices 282 and/orservers 284. In some implementations, some such game-related softwaremay be available as “apps” and may be downloadable (e.g., from thegaming data center 276) by authorized users.

In some examples, authorized users and/or entities (such asrepresentatives of gaming regulatory authorities) may obtaingaming-related information via the gaming data center 276. One or moreother devices (such EUDs 264 or devices of the gaming data center 276)may act as intermediaries for such data feeds. Such devices may, forexample, be capable of applying data filtering algorithms, executingdata summary and/or analysis software, etc. In some implementations,data filtering, summary and/or analysis software may be available as“apps” and downloadable by authorized users.

FIG. 3 illustrates, in block diagram form, an implementation of a gameprocessing architecture 300 that implements a game processing pipelinefor the play of a game in accordance with various implementationsdescribed herein. As shown in FIG. 3 , the gaming processing pipelinestarts with having a UI system 302 receive one or more player inputs forthe game instance. Based on the player input(s), the UI system 302generates and sends one or more RNG calls to a game processing backendsystem 314. Game processing backend system 314 then processes the RNGcalls with RNG engine 316 to generate one or more RNG outcomes. The RNGoutcomes are then sent to the RNG conversion engine 320 to generate oneor more game outcomes for the UI system 302 to display to a player. Thegame processing architecture 300 can implement the game processingpipeline using a gaming device, such as gaming devices 104A-104X and 200shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , respectively. Alternatively, portions of thegaming processing architecture 300 can implement the game processingpipeline using a gaming device and one or more remote gaming devices,such as central determination gaming system server 106 shown in FIG. 1 .

The UI system 302 includes one or more UIs that a player can interactwith. The UI system 302 could include one or more game play UIs 304, oneor more bonus game play UIs 308, and one or more multiplayer UIs 312,where each UI type includes one or more mechanical UIs and/or graphicalUIs (GUIs). In other words, game play UI 304, bonus game play UI 308,and the multiplayer UI 312 may utilize a variety of UI elements, such asmechanical UI elements (e.g., physical “spin” button or mechanicalreels) and/or GUI elements (e.g., virtual reels shown on a video displayor a virtual button deck) to receive player inputs and/or present gameplay to a player. Using FIG. 3 as an example, the different UI elementsare shown as game play UI elements 306A-306N and bonus game play UIelements 310A-310N.

The game play UI 304 represents a UI that a player typically interfaceswith for a base game. During a game instance of a base game, the gameplay UI elements 306A-306N (e.g., GUI elements depicting one or morevirtual reels) are shown and/or made available to a user. In asubsequent game instance, the UI system 302 could transition out of thebase game to one or more bonus games. The bonus game play UI 308represents a UI that utilizes bonus game play UI elements 310A-310N fora player to interact with and/or view during a bonus game. In one ormore implementations, at least some of the game play UI elements306A-306N are similar to the bonus game play UI elements 310A-310N. Inother implementations, the game play UI elements 306A-306N can differfrom the bonus game play UI elements 310A-310N.

FIG. 3 also illustrates that UI system 302 could include a multiplayerUI 312 purposed for game play that differs or is separate from thetypical base game. For example, multiplayer UI 312 could be set up toreceive player inputs and/or presents game play information relating toa tournament mode. When a gaming device transitions from a primary gamemode that presents the base game to a tournament mode, a single gamingdevice is linked and synchronized to other gaming devices to generate atournament outcome. For example, multiple RNG engines 316 correspondingto each gaming device could be collectively linked to determine atournament outcome. To enhance a player's gaming experience, tournamentmode can modify and synchronize sound, music, reel spin speed, and/orother operations of the gaming devices according to the tournament gameplay. After tournament game play ends, operators can switch back thegaming device from tournament mode to a primary game mode to present thebase game. Although FIG. 3 does not explicitly depict that multiplayerUI 312 includes UI elements, multiplayer UI 312 could also include oneor more multiplayer UI elements.

Based on the player inputs, the UI system 302 could generate RNG callsto a game processing backend system 314. As an example, the UI system302 could use one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) togenerate the RNG calls. To process the RNG calls, the RNG engine 316could utilize gaming RNG 318 and/or non-gaming RNGs 319A-319N. GamingRNG 318 could correspond to RNG 212 or hardware RNG 244 shown in FIG.2A. As previously discussed with reference to FIG. 2A, gaming RNG 318often perform specialized and non-generic operations that comply withregulatory and/or game requirements. For example, because of regulationrequirements, gaming RNG 318 could correspond to RNG 212 by being acryptographic RNG or pseudorandom number generator (PRNG) (e.g., FortunaPRNG) that securely produces random numbers for one or more gamefeatures. To securely generate random numbers, gaming RNG 318 couldcollect random data from various sources of entropy, such as from anoperating system (OS) and/or a hardware RNG (e.g., hardware RNG 244shown in FIG. 2A). Alternatively, non-gaming RNGs 319A-319N may not becryptographically secure and/or be computationally less expensive.Non-gaming RNGs 319A-319N can thus be used to generate outcomes fornon-gaming purposes. As an example, non-gaming RNGs 319A-319N cangenerate random numbers for generating random messages that appear onthe gaming device.

The RNG conversion engine 320 processes each RNG outcome from RNG engine316 and converts the RNG outcome to a UI outcome that is feedback to theUI system 302. With reference to FIG. 2A, RNG conversion engine 320corresponds to RNG conversion engine 210 used for game play. Aspreviously described, RNG conversion engine 320 translates the RNGoutcome from the RNG 212 to a game outcome presented to a player. RNGconversion engine 320 utilizes one or more lookup tables 322A-322N toregulate a prize payout amount for each RNG outcome and how often thegaming device pays out the derived prize payout amounts. In one example,the RNG conversion engine 320 could utilize one lookup table to map theRNG outcome to a game outcome displayed to a player and a second lookuptable as a pay table for determining the prize payout amount for eachgame outcome. In this example, the mapping between the RNG outcome andthe game outcome controls the frequency in hitting certain prize payoutamounts. Different lookup tables could be utilized depending on thedifferent game modes, for example, a base game versus a bonus game.

After generating the UI outcome, the game processing backend system 314sends the UI outcome to the UI system 302. Examples of UI outcomes aresymbols to display on a video reel or reel stops for a mechanical reel.In one example, if the UI outcome is for a base game, the UI system 302updates one or more game play UI elements 306A-306N, such as symbols,for the game play UI 304. In another example, if the UI outcome is for abonus game, the UI system could update one or more bonus game play UIelements 310A-310N (e.g., symbols) for the bonus game play UI 308. Inresponse to updating the appropriate UI, the player may subsequentlyprovide additional player inputs to initiate a subsequent game instancethat progresses through the game processing pipeline.

The example game processing architecture 300 shown in FIG. 3 can be usedto process game play instructions and generate outcomes as follows. Insome example implementations, the game processing architecture 300implements a game processing pipeline for a process (e.g. base reelgame, bonus reel game, feature reel game, etc.) that converts stackedreels that could contribute to a “win combination” to a single symbolspanning the reel and selects a multiplier based on the number ofpreceding stacked reels, merge assigned multipliers of adjacent reels,or the like. The UI system 302 (e.g., the game play UI 304 or bonus gameplay UI 308 of the UI system 302) causes the display system (e.g.display 240, 242) to display a single symbol in place of a stacked reeland a multiplier assigned based on the number of preceding stackedreels, a merged multiplier representing the product of assignedmultipliers of adjacent reels, or the like. For a play, the UI system302 (e.g., the game play UI 304 or bonus game play UI 308) makes one ormore RNG calls to the game processing backend system 314. In response,the backend system 314 performs various operations. For example, using agaming RNG 318, the RNG engine 316 generates one or more random numbers,which are passed to the RNG conversion engine 320. In variousembodiments, the RNG conversion engine 320 can use one or more of therandom number(s) and one or more of the lookup tables 322A . . . 322N todetermine a set of display symbols to populate the reels, to select aselected special symbol to substitute for dynamic symbols, or the like.After determining a game outcome, including combining the product ofassigned multipliers of stacked reels that are part of a “wincombination” (e.g. a pay line etc.), or the like, the backend system 314performs a pay evaluation or otherwise determines results (e.g.,calculating whether any win conditions exist). The backend system 314returns generated results to the game play UI 304 or bonus game play UI308 of the UI system 302, which can, among other operations, controldisplay of the game outcome and results corresponding to the payevaluation. For example, the game play UI 304 or bonus game play UI 308in various embodiments may stop the spinning of reels at the displaysymbols determined for respective reel outcomes, replace stacked reels(fully populated with special symbols) with a single symbol and amultiplier assigned based on the number of preceding stacked reels,merge assigned multipliers for adjacent stacked reels to display asingle multiplier that is the product of the assigned multipliers,indicate win paths, or the like.

In general, the generated results returned by the backend system 314 caninclude game-related information (such as display symbols for therespective reels, outcomes) as well as animation effects not related togame parameters. Alternatively, the game play UI 304 (or bonus game playUI 308) can make one or more separate RNG calls to the backend system314 to determine animation effects. In response, the backend system 314can use the gaming RNG 318 and/or one or more of the non-gaming RNGs319A . . . 319N to generate random numbers, which the RNG conversionengine 320 uses (with one or more of the lookup tables 322A . . . 322N)to determine animation effects. The game play UI 304 (or bonus game playUI 308) can perform operations consistent with the animation effects,which are returned from the backend system 314.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are flowcharts illustrating an example technique 400 forrandomly assigned multiplier values based on random game outcomes, inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The technique 400,for example, may be presented on gaming device 200 of FIG. 2 using theprocessing architecture 300 of FIG. 3 . Prior to the start of method400, the gaming device 200 may begin game play. For example, the gamingdevice 200 may establish an associated credit value on a credit meter.For example, a player may insert a physical item having monetary valueinto a credit input mechanism or device, such as the ticket reader 224or bill validator 234 of the gaming device 200 or otherwise establish acredit value. In response to the received physical item, the gamingdevice 200 may increase a credit value based on the monetary value ofthe physical item. The credit value is displayed on a display of thegaming device 200, such as the primary game display 240, secondary gamedisplay 242, or other display and an increase in the credit value may beshown on the display, for example by displaying an animation,highlighting, scrolling the credit value up, etc. The gaming device 200may then receive a wager. A player may use input buttons 236 to specifya value of an amount to be wagered with the wager being funded by thecredit value of the credit meter. The gaming device 200 may display amessage such as “Press SPIN to play” on the primary game display 240 orotherwise. When the player presses a corresponding SPIN button, forexample via the player input buttons 236, the gaming device 200 maydecrease the player's credit balance by the specified wager and initiateplay of a slot-type game. The technique 400 may be part of a base game,a secondary game, and/or a bonus game.

At step 402, the game controller 202 controls the display system todisplay a final outcome for reels of the reel grid. In some cases,outcomes for the reels may be displayed one reel at a time, and thefinal outcome may be displayed when all of the reels have landed andoutcomes are displayed for all of the reels. The outcome of the reelsincludes the display symbols that land on the reels. The set of displaysymbols may be randomly selected from reel strips, which may include atleast one special symbol (i.e., a symbol which can contribute to a “wincombination” during a pay evaluation, such as a predeterminedmultiplier, wild, extra wild, etc.). The special symbol can be anysymbol, picture, image, number, letter, a combination of these, or thelike. In some cases, certain special symbols may not be on the reelstrips of each reel. As an example, wild and extra wild symbols may notbe included on the outermost reel strips. Thus, where there are fivereels displayed, the wild and extra wild symbols may only appear on theinner three reels. In some cases, steps 404-422 may only be performedfor those reels where the extra wild symbols may be included, andoutcomes for those reels which do not include the extra wild symbols maybe determined in accordance with any other technique employed by thegame to determine reel outcomes.

At step 404, if there are extra wild special symbols displayed for areel, the technique may proceed to step 406, where the extra wildfeature is enabled for the reel and an indication that the extra wildfeature is enabled for the reel is displayed. For example, if theoutcome from step 402 includes an extra wild symbol for a reel, then theextra wild feature is enabled for that reel. If the extra wild symbollands for multiple reels (e.g., the outcome from step 402 includes theextra wild symbol for multiple reels), then the extra wild feature maybe enabled for those reels where the extra wild symbols landed. As amore specific example, in a 4×5 (row-by-column) reel grid, any singlevertical reel that includes a special symbol for the extra wild featurewill enable the feature for that reel. Thus, if the final outcome of aprevious spin includes extra wild symbols on reels 2 and 3 (where reelsare numbered 1 to 5 from left to right), then the extra wild feature isenabled for reels 2 and 3. When the extra wild feature is enabled for areel for a spin, the reel may be randomly selected to be replaced by amultiplier.

In some cases, an animation effect indicating that the extra wildfeature is enabled for a reel may be displayed. This animation effectmay help a player understand that the extra wild feature is enabled andthat the reel may be replaced. This animation effect may be displayedfor each reel the extra wild feature is newly enabled for (e.g., reelsin which the extra wild feature was not already enabled for). In somecases, if the extra wild feature is newly enabled for more than onereel, a different and/or additional animation effect may be displayed ascompared to when the extra wild feature is newly enabled for a singlereel. The animation effects may appear to place one or more extra wildindicators which indicate which reels the extra wild feature is enabledfor. The extra wild indicators may be placed adjacent to the reels theextra wild feature is enabled for. As an example, the extra wildindicators may be placed above the reels that the extra wild feature isenabled for. Returning to the example discussed above, where extra wildfeature is enabled for reels 2 and 3, an animation effect may bedisplayed for each of reels 2 and 3 (or, alternatively, a singleanimation effect can be displayed for the reels) and extra wildindicators placed above reels 2 and 3. The game controller 202 maycontrol the display system to display the animation effects.

In some cases, once the extra wild feature is enabled for a given reel,the extra wild feature remains enabled for the duration the extra wildfeature is available for any of the reels. For example, where the extrawild feature is available for a certain amount of time, such as for fiveminutes, when the extra wild feature is enabled for a reel, such as oneminute after the feature becomes available, the extra wild feature willremain enabled for a remaining duration of the amount of time, here fourminutes. As another example, where the extra wild feature is availablefor the duration of a game session or in a special mode, when the extrawild feature is enabled for a reel, the extra wild feature will remainenabled for the duration of the game session or until the special modeends. If, at step 404, no extra wild symbols are displayed on the reels,then the technique 400 proceeds to step 408.

At step 408, a next spin may begin. For example, the player may press aSPIN button or otherwise initiate game play. Prior to initiating gameplay, the player may, as described above, initiate an increase to thecredit value, specify the value of an amount to wager, etc.

To determine whether to activate the extra wild feature, at step 410, ifthere is another reel in the set of reels that has not been evaluate forwhether to activate the extra wild feature, the technique 400 proceedsto step 412. In some cases, the reels may be evaluated for whether toactivate the extra wild feature one at a time, from left to right. Ifall of the reels have been evaluated for the extra wild feature, thenoutcomes for the reels which were not replaced by multiplier ladders aredetermined in accordance with any other technique employed by the gameto determine reel outcomes, and these outcomes are displayed at step402.

At step 412, if the reel has the extra wild feature enabled, thentechnique 400 proceeds to step 414. In some cases, an indication thatthe reel has the extra wild feature enabled will be displayed adjacentto the reel. If the extra wild feature is not enabled for the reel, thetechnique may proceed back to step 410 to evaluate another reel for theextra wild feature.

At step 414, a determination whether to activate the extra wild featurefor the reel on which the extra wild feature is enabled is made. Thisdetermination may be made, for example, by the game controller 202. Thedetermination whether to activate the extra wild feature is independentof a determination of a display symbol for the reel. For example, thegame controller may make an RNG pull to randomly determine whether toactivate the extra wild feature. This RNG pull may be separate fromanother RNG pull that may be used to determine a display symbol for thereel, for example, if the extra wild feature is not activated. When theextra wild feature is enabled for a reel, that reel is eligible to havethe extra wild feature activated for each subsequent (e.g., next) spin.For the subsequent spins while the feature is enabled, the extra wildfeature may be randomly activated for reels with the feature enabled. Inthe example discussed above where the extra wild feature is enabled forreels 2 and 3, a determination whether to activate the extra wildfeature is made for reel 2, and a separate determination whether toactive the extra wild feature is also made for reel 3.

In some cases, when the next spin begins, a lookup operation may beperformed for each reel with the extra wild feature enabled to determinewhether to activate the extra wild feature for that reel. This lookupoperation may be performed, for example, by generating an RNG outcomeand mapping the generated RNG outcome to a lookup table of values forthe extra wild feature indicating whether to activate the extra wildfeature. As discussed above, the lookup table for the extra wild featuremay be configured/tuned, for example, to achieve a target level of RTP.In some cases, the lookup table may be selected from a set of lookuptables for the extra wild feature based on reel outcomes of one or morepreceding reels. This lookup table may be defined for use in determiningwhether to activate the extra wild feature. As the lookup operation todetermine whether to activate the extra wild feature for a reel isperformed prior to determining an outcome (e.g., a reel stop) of thereel, the extra wild feature can be activated without randomlydetermining the outcome of the reel.

In some cases, the determination whether to activate the extra wildfeature may be performed per reel with the extra wild feature enabled.This determination may be performed before spinning the reels or whilethe reels are spinning. The determination for the reels may be made in acertain order, such as from left to right. As an example of the latter,where the extra wild feature is enabled for reels 2 and 3, after thereels are spun, a first determination whether the extra wild feature isto be activated for reel 2 is made while the reels are all spinning. Ifthe first determination is not to activate the extra wild feature for areel, such as for reel 2, then the technique 400 proceeds back to step410 to determine if there are additional reels with the extra wildfeature enabled. In this example, reel 3 also has the extra wild featureenabled, and at step 412, the second determination whether the extrawild feature is to be activated for reel 3 is made. If the determinationis that the extra wild feature is to be activated for the reel, such asreel 3, the technique 400 proceeds to step 416.

At step 416, the reel is replaced with a multiplier ladder. Replacementof the reel with the multiplier ladder is based on the determination toactivate the extra wild feature on the reel. An animation effect may bedisplayed to help highlight the replacement of the reel strip with themultiplier ladder. In some cases, replacing the reel with a multiplierladder may include displaying a set of potential multipliers in place ofthe reel being replaced. The multipliers may be displayed in order, forexample, from the smallest multiplier at the bottom to the largestmultiplier at the top. Continuing the above example, after thedetermination to activate the extra wild feature for reel 3, reel 3 maybe replaced by a multiplier ladder with a set of potential multipliervalues, for example, from 4× to 8×. In some cases, the potentialmultiplier values are displayed in sequentially increasing order. Whenthe reel is replaced, the reel strip corresponding to the reel isremoved and no symbol is selected as a display symbol for an outcome forthe replaced reel. As the reel strip is removed for the replaced reel,no RNG pull is needed to determine a reel outcome (e.g., reel stop) andno spin occurs for the replaced reel. By removing the reel withoutplacing an RNG pull to determine the reel outcome helps avoid possibleregulatory issues from a mismatch between generated reel stops and thereels displayed. For example, by allowing the reel to continue to spin,regulations may require that a reel outcome be presented along with themultiplier ladder. This could create relatively large multiplier valuesand payouts, potentially overshooting a target RTP. Additionally,displaying both the multiplier ladder and the reel could present a UIspacing issue. Removing the reel without determining the reel outcomeprevents the game from triggering certain symbols and features, thusreducing the RTP for the feature and the overall game. Removing the reelalso simplifies the UI and makes the merging mechanic easier tounderstand for the user. The display is updated to remove the replacedreel from view, for example, by replacing the reel with the multiplierladder. A multiplier value selected from the multiplier ladder may bepresented instead of the reel outcome.

At step 418, a determination whether two or more multiplier ladders areadjacent is made. For example, if the extra wild feature is enabled forreels 2 and 3 and the extra wild feature then becomes active for bothreels 2 and 3 and the reels are both replaced by multiplier ladders,then the multiplier ladders are adjacent multiplier ladders. If thereare no adjacent multiplier ladders, the technique advances to step 422.If there are adjacent multiplier ladders, the technique advances to step420. In some cases, a reel may be replaced by a multiplier value if aspecial symbol, such as a wild symbol, lands on a reel. For example, ifthe extra wild feature is enabled for reel 2 and the extra wild featurethen becomes active for reel 2, reel 2 is replaced by a first multiplierladder. Reel 3, adjacent to reel 2 and which does not have the extrawild feature enabled, may be spun. A random reel outcome for reel 3 maybe determined where the random reel outcome results in a wild symbol.Reel 3 may then be replaced by a second multiplier ladder based on thedetermined reel outcome. A determination that the first multiplierladder and the second multiplier ladder are adjacent may then be made.

At step 420, adjacent multiplier ladders are merged. In merging themultiplier ladders, as multiplier values are determined separately foreach multiplier ladder sequentially, a first multiplier ladder with aset of potential multiple values (e.g., a multiplier ladder notassociated with a determined multiplier value) may be merged with one ormore second multiplier ladder(s) having a determined multiplier value.In such cases, the potential multipliers of the first multiplier laddermay be multiplied with the determined multiplier value of the secondmultiplier ladder(s) and displayed for the merged multiplier ladder. Themerged multiplier ladder may replace the first and second multiplierladder(s). For example, where reels 2 and 3 have the extra wild featureenabled, the extra wild feature for reel 2 may be activated, reel 2 maybe replaced by a second multiplier ladder including potential multipliervalues from 4× to 8×, and a multiplier value of 4× may be determined forthe second multiplier ladder. The extra wild feature may then beactivated on reel 3 and reel 3 may be replaced by a first multiplierladder. The first multiplier ladder may also have potential multipliervalues from 4× to 8×, but as the first multiplier ladder is adjacent tothe second multiplier ladder, the potential multiplier values may bemultiplied by the determined multiplier value of the second multiplierladder, here 4×. Thus, a merged multiplier ladder (e.g., thirdmultiplier ladder) may display potential multiplier values of 16× to32×. This merged multiplier ladder replaces the first multiplier ladderand second multiplier ladder. Animations may be displayed representingthat multiple multiplier ladders are adjacent, that potential multipliervalues for the third multiplier ladder are being multiplied by thedetermined multiplier value, and that the third multiplier ladder,having the potential multiplier values which were multiplied by thedetermined multiplier value, replaces the first multiplier ladder andthe second multiplier ladder.

In some cases, an animation effect may be displayed to help highlightthe merging of the adjacent multiplier ladders. In some cases, theanimation may highlight the adjustment of the potential multipliervalues of the adjacent multiplier values. Continuing the above example,the potential multiplier values of reel 3 may be displayed and then theanimation may show the potential multiplier values being multiplied bythe determined multiplier value of reel 2.

At step 422, a multiplier value is determined for the multiplier ladder.For example, the game controller 202 may determine a multiplier valuefor the multiplier ladder. The multiplier value may be randomly selectedfrom among the set of potential multiplier values. In some cases, themultiplier value may be determined based on a RNG pull and a lookuptable. In some cases, the lookup table may be weighted to adjustprobabilities of selecting different multiplier values. For example,lower multipliers may be more heavily weighted so that lower multipliesmay be selected more frequently. In some cases, an animation effect maybe displayed, for example, to draw attention to the determination of themultiplier value. For example, the animation effect may draw attentioninitially to the lowest multiplier value by highlighting the lowestmultiplier value and then move the highlighting upwards if a highermultiplier value is selected. Moving the highlighting among thedifferent multiplier values may help the player understand the randomnature of the multiplier selection. In some cases, this movement of thehighlighting between lowest multiplier value and a next highermultiplier value may take a certain amount of time, and further movementof the highlighting to larger multiplier values may take an increasinglylonger amounts of time. In some cases, the amount of time for moving thehighlighting may be based on either the multiplier value highlighted orthe next higher multiplier value. This increasingly larger delay mayhelp build user involvement and engagement in the multiplier valueselection process. As the determination to activate the extra wildfeature and replacement of the reel is performed prior to determining anoutcome (e.g., a reel stop) of the reel, the determination of themultiplier value for a corresponding multiplier ladder also avoidsgenerating an outcome of the reel.

After the selected multiplier value is determined, the determinedmultiplier value is displayed at step 424. The game controller may causethe determined multiplier to be displayed on screen. For example, ananimation may be displayed enlarging, moving, enhancing thehighlighting, or otherwise drawing attention to the determinedmultiplier value. This animation helps draw attention to the determinedmultiplier and helps enhance a user's understanding that a particularmultiplier value was determined. The animation may also enhance userengagement with the determined multiplier.

The technique 400 returns to step 410 to determine if there areadditional reels with the extra wild feature enabled. If there are noadditional reels with the extra wild feature enabled, then the remainingreels stop, and the final outcome of the reels is displayed at step 402.If one or more multiplier values are determined, values corresponding tosymbols of the set of display symbols in the final outcome of the reelsare multiplied by the multiplier value(s) to generate a pay evaluationof a “win combination” which includes the product of the multipliervalue(s).

FIG. 4C is a flowchart 450 illustrating operations for determining gameoutcomes, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In somecases, the operations may be performed by a game processing backendsystem, such as game processing backend system 314 of FIG. 3 forpresentation on a gaming device, such as gaming device 200 of FIG. 2 .At step 452, a request for an outcome for a reel is received. In somecases, the request for an outcome may indicate whether the extra wildfeature is enabled for the corresponding reel. In some cases, therequest for the outcome may be received while the UI elements, such asthe game play UI elements 306A-306N or bonus game play UI elements310A-310N, are displaying the reels as spinning. However, as no RNG pullcorresponding to the reel outcome has been performed, the reel may notyet be considered spun. At block 454, if the extra wild feature isenabled for the reel, at block 456, a RNG pull to determine whether toactivate the extra wild feature is performed. If the extra filed featureis activated at block 458, execution proceeds to block 460 where an RNGpull is made to determine a multiplier value for the multiplier ladder.At block 462, the multiplier value is returned without an RNG pull beingperformed to determine the outcome of the reel. The UI elements may thenstop the reel and replace the reel with the multiplier ladder. The UIelements may also animate the multiplier ladder display to illustrateselection of the multiplier value on the multiplier ladder, for example,by highlighting the lowest rung, and corresponding lowest value for acertain amount of time, and then moving the highlighting up the ladderto higher rungs and higher values. The amount of time a particularmultiplier value on the multiplier ladder is highlighted before thehighlighting is moved up (or selection of the multiplier value isindicated) may increase the higher up the multiplier ladder.

If, at block 454, the extra wild feature is not enabled for the reel, orif, at block 458, the extra wild feature is not activated for the reel,execution proceeds to block 464. At block 464, an RNG call to determinean outcome for the reel is performed. As the extra wild feature iseither not enabled or activated for the reel, determining the outcomefor the reel is performed in a manner consistent with the regulartechnique(s) employed by the game to determine reel outcomes. Once thisRNG pull to determine the outcome for the reel is performed, the reelmay be considered spun. At block 466, the outcome of the reel isreturned to the UI elements for display.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are example screen displays illustrating specialsymbols, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Examplescreen display 500 has a 4×5 reel grid 502 which includes five reels504, 506, 508, 510, and 512 and four rows 514, 516, 518, and 520.Displayed in the reel grid 502 is a final outcome for a spin. In thisexample, the reels 506, 508, and 510 include extra wild special symbols.Extra wild special symbols 522 landed in the previous spin and areincluded in the final outcome for reels 506, 508, and 510. In somecases, the extra wild symbols may not be the only special symbols andother special symbols 524 may land and these other special symbols maybe utilized for other features and techniques outside of the scope ofthis disclosure. As the extra wild symbols landed in these reels, theextra wild feature may be enabled for reels 506, 508, and 510 startingin the next spin. As shown in FIG. 5B, extra wild indicators 526 may beplaced adjacent to the reels that have the extra wild feature enabled.In this example, the extra wild indicators 526 are placed above therespective reels. In some cases, an animation effect may appear to placethe extra wild indicators 526.

FIG. 6 is an example screen display 600 illustrating activation of theextra wild feature, in accordance with aspects of the presentdisclosure. As shown, reels 504, 508, 510, and 512 are spinning. After asubsequent spin is initiated for a game, the extra wild feature may berandomly enabled for a reel. In this example, the extra wild feature hasbeen activated for the second reel from the left, and the second reelhas been replaced by multiplier ladder 602. The multiplier ladder 602includes potential multiplier values, here from ×4 to ×8, and the ×4multiplier value is highlighted 604. This highlighting 604 may be movedupwards based on the multiplier value selected from the multiplierladder 602. Additionally, the extra wild indicator 606 includes anindication that the extra wild feature has been activated for the secondreel. Extra wild indicators 608 and 610 do not include this indicationthat the extra wild feature has been activated, as the extra wildfeature has not been activated for those reels. In some cases, animationeffects replacing the second reel with the multiplier ladder 602 and/orupdating and/or adding the indication to the extra wild indicator 606may be shown.

FIG. 7A is an example screen display 700 illustrating multiplier laddermerging, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Theexample screen display 700 extends the game as shown in FIG. 6 . Asshown, reels 504, 510, and 512 are spinning. As discussed in conjunctionwith FIG. 6 , the extra wild feature was previously activated for thesecond reel from the left. In this example, the extra wild feature hasalso been activated for the third reel from the left. As the extra wildfeature has been activated, multiple adjacent multiplier ladders replacethe second and third reels. These adjacent multiplier ladders may bemerged into a single merged multiplier ladder 702. Assuming the ×7multiplier value in FIG. 6 is the selected multiplier value, the mergedmultiplier ladder 702 may display a set of potential multiplier valueswhere an original set of potential multiplier values (e.g., ×4, ×5, ×6,×7, and ×8) have been multiplied by 7—here ×28, ×35, ×42, ×49, and ×56.In this example, extra wild indicators above the merged multiplierladder 702 have been replaced by the merged multiplier ladder 702. Insome cases, the extra wild indicators may be replaced with a mergedextra wild indicator (not shown), which may indicate that the extra wildfeature has been activated for multiple multiplier ladders and/or thatmultiple multiplier ladders have been merged. The extra wild indication610, in this example, remains displayed for the fourth reel 510 from theleft, indicating that the extra wild feature is enabled but notactivated for the fourth reel 510. In some cases, the merged multiplierladder 702 may visually extend beyond the boundaries of the mergedreels. For example, the merged multiplier ladder 702 may appear tallerthan the other reels.

FIG. 7B is an example screen display 750 illustrating multiplier laddermerging, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Screendisplay 750 extends the multiplier ladder merging as shown in FIG. 7Aand illustrates an example where three multiplier ladders are mergedinto a single multiplier ladder 752. In this example, the extra wildfeature has been activated for the second, third, and fourth reels fromthe left, and multiplier ladders corresponding with the three reels weremerged into the single multiplier ladder 752. Assuming the ×7 multipliervalue in FIG. 6 is the selected and the ×28 multiplier value highlighted706 in FIG. 7A were previously selected, the original set of potentialmultiplier values (e.g., 4×, 5×, 6×, 7×, and 8×), from the multiplierladder replacing the fourth reel, are multiplied by 28 to obtain a setof potential multiplier valuers for the merged multiplier ladder 752,here ×112, ×140, ×168, ×196, and ×224. In this example, the extra wildindicators have been replaced by an extended merged multiplier ladder752 which visually extends beyond the boundaries of the merged reels andappears taller than the other reels.

While various examples use specific multipliers, specific sequences,etc., any multiplier or sequence may be used. Further, other examplesmay use different symbols, fonts, reel matrix sizes, display features, acombination of these, or the like.

What is claimed is:
 1. A gaming system comprising: a display system; anda game controller comprising one or more processors, the game controllerexecuting instructions which cause the game controller to: based on adetermination that an extra wild feature is enabled for a first reel ofa plurality of reels, randomly determine whether to activate an extrawild feature for the first reel; activate the extra wild feature for thefirst reel in response to the determination without randomly determiningan outcome for the first reel; based on the activation of the extra wildfeature for the first reel, cause the display system to replace thefirst reel with a first multiplier ladder; determine a multiplier valuefor the first multiplier ladder; and cause the display system to displaythe determined multiplier value.
 2. The gaming system of claim 1,wherein the game controller further executes instructions which causethe game controller to: replace a second reel of the plurality of reelswith a second multiplier ladder; determine that the first multiplierladder and the second multiplier ladder are adjacent; determinemultiplier values for a third multiplier ladder based on the determinedmultiplier value of the first multiplier ladder; and based on thedetermination that the first multiplier ladder and the second multiplierladder are adjacent, cause the display system to display the firstmultiplier ladder and second multiplier ladder merging into the thirdmultiplier ladder.
 3. The gaming system of claim 2, wherein the gamecontroller further executes instructions which cause the game controllerto control the display system to display the third multiplier ladderover the first multiplier ladder and the second multiplier ladder. 4.The gaming system of claim 2, wherein the game controller furtherexecutes instructions which cause the game controller to: randomlydetermine a reel outcome for the second reel, wherein the randomlydetermined reel outcome is a special symbol; and replace the second reelwith the second multiplier ladder based on the special symbol.
 5. Thegaming system of claim 2, wherein the multiplier values for the thirdmultiplier ladder are determined by multiplying the determinedmultiplier value of the first multiplier ladder and multiplier values ofa set of initial multiplier values of the second multiplier ladder. 6.The gaming system of claim 2, wherein the game controller furtherexecutes instructions which cause the game controller to: replace athird reel, of the plurality of reels, with a fourth multiplier ladder;determine that the third multiplier ladder and fourth multiplier ladderare adjacent; determine multiplier values for a fifth multiplier ladderbased on the determined multiplier value of the third multiplier ladderand a set of initial multiplier values of the fourth multiplier ladder;and based on the determination that the third multiplier ladder and thefourth multiplier ladder are adjacent, cause the display system todisplay the third multiplier ladder and fourth multiplier ladder merginginto the fifth multiplier ladder.
 7. The gaming system of claim 6,wherein the game controller further executed instructions which causethe game controller to display the fifth multiplier ladder over thethird multiplier ladder and the fourth multiplier ladder.
 8. The gamingsystem of claim 1, wherein the game controller further executesinstructions which cause the game controller to: randomly determine areel outcome for the first reel, wherein the randomly determined reeloutcome is an extra wild symbol; and enable the extra wild feature forthe first reel based on the extra wild symbol.
 9. The gaming system ofclaim 8, wherein the game controller further executes instructions whichcause the game controller to cause the display system to display anindication that the extra wild feature is enabled for the first reel.10. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the game controller furtherexecutes instructions which cause the game controller to cause thedisplay system to display an indication that the extra wild feature isactivated for the first reel.
 11. The gaming system of claim 1, whereinthe game controller randomly activates the extra wild feature byexecuting code which cause the game controller to: select a lookup tableassociated with the extra wild feature; and randomly select, using arandom number generator and the selected lookup table, whether toactivate the extra wild feature.
 10. A method, comprising: determiningthat an extra wild feature is enabled for a first reel of a plurality ofreels; based on the determination that the extra wild feature isenabled, randomly determining, using a random number generator, whetherto activate an extra wild feature for the first reel; activating theextra wild feature for the first reel in response to the determination,based on the activation of the extra wild feature for the first reel,determining a multiplier value for the first multiplier ladder and avoidgenerating an outcome on the first reel using the random numbergenerator; and causing the determined multiplier value to be displayed.11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: replacing a second reelof the plurality of reels with a second multiplier ladder; determiningthat the first multiplier ladder and the second multiplier ladder areadjacent; determining multiplier values for a third multiplier ladderbased on the determined multiplier value of the first multiplier ladder;and based on the determination that the first multiplier ladder and thesecond multiplier ladder are adjacent, merging the first multiplierladder and second multiplier ladder into the third multiplier ladder.12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: randomly determining areel outcome for the second reel, wherein the randomly determined reeloutcome is a special symbol; and replacing the second reel with thesecond multiplier ladder based on the special symbol.
 13. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising: replacing a third reel, of the pluralityof reels, with a fourth multiplier ladder; determining that the thirdmultiplier ladder and fourth multiplier ladder are adjacent; determiningmultiplier values for a fifth multiplier ladder based on the determinedmultiplier value of the third multiplier ladder and a set of initialmultiplier values of the fourth multiplier ladder; and based on thedetermination that the third multiplier ladder and the fourth multiplierladder are adjacent, merging the third multiplier ladder and fourthmultiplier ladder into the fifth multiplier ladder.
 14. The method ofclaim 10, further comprising: randomly determining a reel outcome forthe first reel, wherein the randomly determined reel outcome is an extrawild symbol; and enabling the extra wild feature for the first reelbased on the extra wild symbol.
 15. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising: selecting a lookup table associated with the extra wildfeature, and randomly selecting, using a random number generator and theselected lookup table, whether to activate the extra wild feature. 16.One or more machine-readable devices storing instructions, theinstructions, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one ormore processors to: determine that an extra wild feature is enabled fora first reel of a plurality of reels; based on the determination thatthe extra wild feature is enabled, randomly determining, using a randomnumber generator, whether to activate an extra wild feature for thefirst reel; activate the extra wild feature for the first reel inresponse to the determination without randomly determining a reel stopfor the first reel; based on the activation of the extra wild featurefor the first reel, cause an animation replacing the first reel with afirst multiplier ladder to be displayed; determine a multiplier valuefor the first multiplier ladder; and cause the determined multipliervalue to be displayed.
 17. The one or more machine-readable devices ofclaim 16, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or moreprocessors, further cause the one or more processors to: replace asecond reel of the plurality of reels with a second multiplier ladder;determine that the first multiplier ladder and second multiplier ladderare adjacent; determine multiplier values for a third multiplier ladderbased on the determined multiplier value of the first multiplier ladder;and based on the determination that the first multiplier ladder and thesecond multiplier ladder are adjacent, merge the first multiplier ladderand second multiplier ladder into the third multiplier ladder.
 18. Theone or more machine-readable devices of claim 16, wherein theinstructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further causethe one or more processors to: randomly determine a reel outcome for thesecond reel, wherein the randomly determined reel outcome is a specialsymbol; and replace the second reel with the second multiplier ladderbased on the special symbol.
 19. The one or more machine-readabledevices of claim 16, wherein the instructions, when executed by the oneor more processors, further cause the one or more processors to: replacea third reel, of the plurality of reels, with a fourth multiplierladder; determine that the third multiplier ladder and fourth multiplierladder are adjacent; determine multiplier values for a fifth multiplierladder based on the determined multiplier value of the third multiplierladder and a set of initial multiplier values of the fourth multiplierladder; and based on the determination that the third multiplier ladderand the fourth multiplier ladder are adjacent, merge the thirdmultiplier ladder and fourth multiplier ladder into the fifth multiplierladder.
 20. The one or more machine-readable devices of claim 16,wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors,further cause the one or more processors to: randomly determine a reeloutcome for the first reel, wherein the randomly determined reel outcomeis an extra wild symbol; and enable the extra wild feature for the firstreel based on the extra wild symbol.